1st tag of the season filled

[dcopas78]

I havent had a lot of time to hunt this year on the first week of the season so I was glad to get the first tag filled. Now I have 3 weeks to try for a second. I heard this bird gobble the first day, but he only gobbled 3 times on the roost and that was it. This morning, I hiked right up to his back porch and waited for him to sound off. Lucky, I pegged him right and had his roosting spot picked perfectly. I sat down about 125 yards out from him gobbling on the roost. I made some soft tree yelps to let him know I was there. When it was good and daylight, I simulated a couple hens flying down with a flydown cackle and hitting my hat in the dirt. A few more soft yelps. He quieted up and I know he was on the ground. Gobbled about 18 yards out behind some trees. I slowly swung my gun barrel in that direction not realizing he was looking through about a 3 inch crack between the trees. He putted and started away. At that point, I figured it was over but he played stupid and stepped out from behind the tree. Now he's dead. Anyone got any good smoker recipes?

21.5 pounds, 11 inch beard

 

[JohnCushman]

Congrats!!

 

[kenton]

congrats, that looks like a great bird.

 

[kansasdad]

On the board with a very hard strutter (sawed off wing tips for sure)!! Congratulations

 

[dcopas78]

Thanks guys. Kansasdad you're right about the strutting that's for sure. He practically had ruts cut in the mud of the old logging trail I was sitting on. He was routine for sure. It's hard to find one that sticks to a pattern around here anymore as good as this one did.

 

[7mm08mo]

Nice, wish I could get one that would like to be a star he in MO!!

 

[CampRipleyLF]

Awesome, congrats!

 

[LCH]

Good job! Fine looking gobbler.

 

[jvanhoy]

Looks like a goodn. Congrats

 

[Bugle 'Em In]

Nicely done!